The Article
AUDIO-TECHNICA AT-MCD1
20th July 2026
Audio-Technica has introduced the AT-MCD1, a new flagship iron core, moving-coil cartridge
The new design features a one piece diamond cantilever and stylus construction. A difficult and (very) expensive design process.
The AT-MCD1 is the first AudioTechnica cartridge to feature a newly developed Shibata stylus with a finer R2.7 × r0.08 mil curvature radius.
Featuring high separation, wider response dual moving coils, the AT-MCD1 is a hybrid structure combining titanium, aluminium and elastomer materials.
Additional refinements include PCOCC coils for purer signal transmission. Thick gold-plated terminal pins reduce contact resistance and threaded mounting holes allow easier installation.
Price is €11,000/ £9,999. You might not think it after seeing that figure but the price is actually reasonable for what you get. It’s the best cantilever/stylus combo you can buy. You would have easily paid this same price six or seven years ago (more, perhaps). So add inflation…
Contact: www.audio-technica.com.
